I built a multi-agent AI system modeled after chess pieces. Each agent has a specialized role, a distinct personality, and a specific model powering it — chosen for the right balance of capability and efficiency.
This isn't about having AI do everything. It's about designing a system where the right agent handles the right task, with a human always holding the final move. Think of it as organizational design — applied to AI.
The Human in the Loop
Every system needs a sovereign. The King doesn't move fast, but every piece on the board moves in service of the King's position. In this architecture, that's me — the human. I set direction, make final calls, and hold veto power. AI advises; I decide.
"The King is the game. Protect it, and everything else is tactics."
Strategist & Orchestrator
The rook moves in straight, decisive lines — no wasted motion. Rook is the central orchestrator: manages all other agents, handles daily operations, and serves as my primary thinking partner. Strategic planning, task delegation, and keeping the whole board in view.
"I don't just execute tasks. I think about whether the task is the right move."
Deep Researcher
Bishops cover diagonals — angles others miss. Bishop handles deep research, literature reviews, and complex analysis. When a question needs more than a quick search, Bishop goes deep: synthesizing sources, finding connections, and producing structured findings.
"The diagonal sees what the rank and file cannot."
Systems & Automation
The knight jumps — it doesn't follow the rules of straight lines. Knight handles systems work, automation, health checks, and the kind of lateral problem-solving that keeps infrastructure running. Unconventional paths to practical solutions.
"L-shaped thinking for problems that don't move in straight lines."
Utility & Quick Tasks
Don't underestimate the pawn — it's the soul of chess. Pawn handles rapid-fire utility tasks: formatting, quick lookups, file operations, lightweight processing. Fast, efficient, and always ready. Most tasks don't need a queen when a pawn will do.
"Efficiency isn't glamorous, but it wins games."
Evaluator & Auditor
The most powerful piece on the board — but power without judgment is dangerous. Queen evaluates Rook's decisions, audits reasoning on high-stakes calls, and provides an independent perspective. Not a gatekeeper, but a mirror. Triggered periodically or when the stakes demand a second opinion.
"Power is the ability to see clearly, not just to act broadly."
Chess is a game of specialization, coordination, and knowing which piece to move when. A rook and a bishop do very different things — but together they control the board. AI agents work the same way. A heavyweight model for strategy, a lightweight one for utility, and a human at the center making the moves that matter. The metaphor isn't just cute — it's how I think about system design.